Sofia paced in her office, her phone pressed tightly to her ear. The concern in her voice was unmistakable. Adam had just called and from the way he sounded she knew something was wrong"Adam? What's wrong? You don’t sound good."On the other end of the line, Adam's voice was weak, laced with a carefully orchestrated weariness. "Sofia... I think I’m really sick. I just... I couldn’t call anyone else. Could you come over?"Her heart skipped a beat. "Adam, are you alone? Have you seen a doctor?"He coughed faintly, adding to the illusion. "No, I haven’t. I’ve been trying to rest, but it’s getting worse. Please, Sofia. I could really use you here."Without hesitation, she grabbed her bag. "I’m on my way. Don’t move or try to do anything. I’ll be there soon."Sofia ended the call, her worry mounting as she rushed to his home. ************Fifteen minutes later, Sofia stood at Adam’s front door. Her heart raced as she knocked, but there was no response. She tried again, this time calling
After their steamy morning, Adam and Sofia decided to shower together. Adam helped wash Sofia’s hair, his fingers massaging her scalp as water cascaded over her. Sofia, in turn, laughed as she splashed him.When Sofia stepped out of the bathroom, her towel loosely wrapped around her, she was met with the insistent ringing of her phone. Frowning, she walked over and grabbed it, her brows knitting together when Diana's name flashed across the screen.She answered. "Diana? What's going on?"Diana's voice was frantic on the other end. "Have you seen the news?"Sofia’s confusion deepened. "No. What happened?""You really need to check, Sofia," Diana urged, her tone a mixture of worry and disbelief.The call ended before Sofia could respond. Quickly, she opened her phone and checked the trending topics. Her breath caught in her throat as a flurry of articles, photos, and speculations bombarded her.Headlines screamed: “Kavanaugh’s Goldeen boy and Montero Heiress Spotted Together, Romance or
Adam pulled up to the Kavanaugh Enterprises building,after dropping Sofia off at home. The driveway swarming with journalists and paparazzi clamoring for a statement. The media frenzy had only intensified since the scandal broke, their cameras clicking incessantly as Adam stepped out of his sleek black car, his expression was unreadable as he walked slowly towards the large doors of Kavanaugh Legacy.Questions bombarded him from all angles:"Mr. Kavanaugh, is it true you're dating Sofia Montero?""Are the Kavanaughs and Monteros finally joining forces?""Some claim Sofia was sent to sabotage your empire. Any comment on that?""Was this a secret love affair or a business deal?"Adam remained silent, his imposing figure and cool demeanor quieting the noise. Then, as the crowd's chatter reached a peak, he raised a single hand, silencing everyone. His calm voice sliced through the tension, commanding attention."You all seem eager for answers," Adam said, his piercing gaze sweeping across
Adam sat in the driver’s seat of his car, resting his head against the steering wheel for a moment, the weight of the family meeting pressing down on him.He had expected this much the moment he decided to follow his heart but seeing the look in his father's eyes today made him rethink, but he had reached too far to give up now. With a deep breath, he pulled out his phone and dialed Sofia’s number.The call connected almost instantly. "Adam," Sofia’s shaky voice came through, laced with heartbreak."Sofia," he said softly, his tone calming. "How are you holding up?"Her quiet sobs broke his heart. "I don’t know... Everything is falling apart. Mateo... he hates me now, Adam. He won’t even look at me. I haven’t seen him all day, and no one’s spoken to me since I came back. It’s like I’m a stranger in my own home.My grandfather won't even look my way, no one wants to hear my explanation"Adam clenched the steering wheel, his jaw tightening at her words. "Sofia, listen to me. You’re not al
For a moment, the words didn’t register. When they did, his vision blurred, and his heart slammed against his chest. Fear coiled around him, raw and paralyzing, as the memories he’d buried deep clawed their way back to the surface.He sat frozen, his mind unwillingly replaying the most horrifying night of his life, a night that had haunted him for a decade.Flashback****It was supposed to be a harmless gathering, an exclusive party with close friends. The mood was lighthearted, the drinks flowing freely. Somewhere during the night, someone had handed him a glass laced with something more sinister.What followed was a haze of disjointed images, muffled voices, and blurry faces. He remembered feeling completely out of control, his body no longer responding to his will. And then... a girl. A young woman he didn’t recognize, crying and pleading as his world spiraled into chaos.The next morning, Ryan woke up in an unfamiliar room, his clothes disheveled, his head pounding with the weight
Mateo walked into his room and slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing through the quiet house. Leaning against the door for a moment, he closed his eyes, exhaling a shaky breath. Despite his anger, the sight of Sofia’s puffy eyes tugged at his heart. He knew his sister well, her guilt and pain were written all over her face.He clenched his jaw as he realized she likely hadn’t slept in days, just like he hadn’t since he started ignoring her. It hurt him to see her like this, fragile, broken, but he couldn’t bring himself to forgive her just yet.Opening the bottle of water, he took a slow sip, hoping the cold liquid might somehow wash away the ache and turmoil inside him.She had gone behind his back, choosing Adam Kavanaugh, his sworn enemy, the man who had been a thorn in his side for years. The image of them together plagued his mind, the pain overshadowed only by the bitterness growing in his chest.Setting the half-empty bottle down on his desk, he ran a hand through his
The early morning sunlight filtered through the grand windows of the Montero estate, highlighting the tension within the dining room. Sofia descended the stairs, her eyes still puffy and red from a restless night. She forced herself to straighten up, refusing to show just how drained she felt. The sounds of low conversation drew her attention, and as she stepped into the dining room, her breath caught.Seated around the large table were her grandfather Emilio, Mateo, Rodrigo, Rodrigo's wife Vanessa, and two unfamiliar men. One of them, however, Sofia recognized instantly, Fred Martinez, the man who had attempted to harass her the night of the gala. His presence alone made her stomach twist with unease."Buenos días," she greeted softly, her voice wavering slightly as she scanned the faces at the table. Over the last four days, none of them had acknowledged her, and she didn't expect much now.Emilio’s deep, commanding voice called out, breaking the silence. “Sofia, join us.”The only
As the door closed behind his father, Adam sank onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. His father's words replayed in his mind, each one weighed down by a pain he had never fully understood before. Gregory Kavanaugh was a man molded by duty, but beneath that hardened exterior lay a wound that had never truly healed.Adam exhaled heavily, his mind drifting into the past. Into the memories of the woman who had given birth to him and Ryan, the woman his father could never truly love.Years Ago……..A grand chandelier cast golden light across the luxurious Kavanaugh estate, reflecting off the pristine marble floors. Adam was only eight years old when he first began to notice it, the emptiness in his mother’s eyes, the way her laughter never quite reached her heart. Candice Vergara-Kavanaugh was an elegant woman, graceful in the way only the well-bred knew how to be, but there was always a sense of loneliness about her.He remembered how she would sit on the garden bench, staring
As the morning light streamed through the curtains, Sofia stirred, The familiar scent of her brother’s home surrounded her it has been a long time she visited Mateo's home, they always stayed at the Montero mansion. Just as she was stretching, her phone buzzed loudly on the bedside table. She reached for it, a small smile tugging at her lips when she saw the caller ID ‘Mi Rey’She answered immediately, her voice still laced with sleep. “Adam…”“You sound sleepy,” Adam’s deep voice came through, smooth and warm, instantly wrapping around her like a blanket. “Did you rest well?”Sofia sighed, leaning back against the pillows. “I tried. But waking up in a different place… it still feels odd.”Adam chuckled softly. “That’s because you shouldn’t be there. You should be here, with me.”She bit her lip, warmth spreading through her chest. “Mateo insisted…”“I know.” His tone held a hint of frustration. “I let it slide because you needed rest, but today, Sofia… I’m coming to get you.”She lau
Anna jolted awake, her heart pounding so violently it felt like it might burst from her chest. Cold sweat clung to her skin, and her breath came in ragged gasps. The nightmare had returned.It had been years, but that night still haunted her, the night that shattered her.Her hands trembled as she hugged her knees to her chest, rocking slightly. The images burned in her mind, her clothes being ripped, his weight crushing her, the pain so unbearable that she had blacked out. No matter how much time passed, the memories refused to fade.She turned her head and saw Grace sleeping peacefully beside her, completely unaware of the storm raging within her. That sight alone made her chest tighten. She covered her mouth to suppress a sob, but the pain inside her refused to be silenced. She slid off the bed, squatting on the cold floor as silent tears poured down her face.Why is it coming back now?She had almost convinced herself she was healing. The nightmares had stopped for a while. But to
The third day at the hospital had arrived, and Sofia was finally discharged. She sat on the edge of the hospital bed, dressed in fresh clothes that Diana had brought for her, feeling lighter but still weak. The idea of leaving the suffocating hospital walls brought her relief.Mateo stood beside her, arms crossed, his expression firm. “You’re coming home with me, Sofia. End of discussion.”Adam, standing just a few feet away, had his hands in his pockets, but his entire posture radiated defiance. “No. She’s coming with me.”Diana and Ryan,stood to the side, watching the two men glare at each other like stubborn teenagers refusing to back down.Sofia sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. “I can hear you both perfectly fine, you know.”Neither man acknowledged her.Mateo exhaled sharply. “She’s my sister. It’s my responsibility to take care of her.”Adam scoffed. “And she’s my woman. My responsibility.”Mateo’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, now she’s your woman? Before she became your woman
Adam stormed out of the dining hall, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The conversation with his grandfather had gone exactly as he expected, but that didn’t mean it stung any less. Years of loyalty, of molding himself into the perfect heir, and in the end, none of it mattered, because, to Cyril Kavanaugh, his love for Sofia was a weakness, a liability.Ryan caught up to him as he reached the front door. “Adam, wait.”Adam paused, his hands clenched into fists. He was angry, not just at his grandfather but at the entire situation.Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know you expected that reaction from him, but I have to say, watching you throw the Kavanaugh legacy in his face was oddly satisfying.”Adam exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. “I never cared about the legacy, Ryan. I just wanted to prove myself. But if proving myself means abandoning Sofia and my children, then to hell with it.”Ryan smirked. “Damn right.” He patted Adam’s shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. Y
Diana rushed into the hospital, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been in complete shock when she heard what had happened to Sofia. Kidnapped. Tortured. Starved. It was unthinkable. And now, on top of all that, she was pregnant with twins.The moment she reached Sofia’s hospital room, she saw Adam sitting beside her bed, his hands wrapped around Sofia’s fragile fingers. His face was unreadable, but Diana could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He hadn’t left her side.Diana’s heels clicked softly against the floor as she approached. “Adam…”He looked up, his gaze sharp for just a second before softening when he realized it was her. “Diana.”She swallowed hard, glancing at Sofia, who was still unconscious. The sight of her, so pale, so fragile, made Diana’s chest ache. She sat on the chair beside Adam, her eyes never leaving Sofia’s face.“How is she?”Adam exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Stable, but weak. The doctor said her body was rejecting everything they gave her. The babies….
The tension in the hospital waiting room was suffocating. The air was thick with unspoken words and resentment as Emilio Montero paced furiously, his sharp gaze locked on Adam and Ryan."What the hell are you two doing here?" Emilio spat, his voice echoing through the quiet corridor. "Have you not done enough?"Rodrigo, standing beside him, scoffed. "This is a family matter. Outsiders should leave."Adam, unfazed, stepped forward. His towering presence and steely gaze made the air feel even heavier. "Outsiders?" he repeated mockingly. "I don’t know what fantasy you’re living in, old man, but I’m not going anywhere."Ryan leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the unfolding drama with a bored expression. “ must you make a scene in a hospital? This isn't the time or place."Before Emilio could retort, the hospital door swung open, and the doctor walked in. His expression was serious, but there was something else beneath it, hesitation, as if he had news that would shake them al
Adam sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel tightly. His mind raced through possibilities. Ellie knew something. Maybe she was even involved.And if that was true…He would make her talk.The door creaked open, and Ellie stepped in, a wicked smirk on her face.She took one look at Sofia, haggard, weak, covered in bruises, and sitting in her own misery, and let out a laugh.“You look terrible,” Ellie mocked, her arms crossed. “Didn’t I tell you, Sofia? Don’t test me. Look at you, you’re dying. Slowly. Very, very slowly.”Sofia’s stomach twisted as she fought back the nausea. She had just vomited again, the disgusting dog food they forced her to eat, the filthy water they made her drink.Every time her body rejected it, she was beaten.Her skin ached from bruises, her lips were cracked from dehydration, and her spirit was hanging by a thread. But she still refused to break.She wouldn’t give Ellie that satisfaction.Ellie walked closer, a cruel glint in her eyes.“You were so sure A
Sofia jolted awake as cold water splashed onto her face. A sharp gasp escaped her lips, but the gag muffled her voice. She blinked rapidly, her vision adjusting to the dimly lit room. Her head throbbed, her wrists burned from the tight ropes binding her to the chair, and a chilling sense of dread settled in her chest.A soft, mocking laugh echoed from the corner.Sofia's gaze darted toward the source of the sound, and her heart pounded harder. A woman stepped forward, her silhouette illuminated by the weak overhead light.Recognition struck Sofia immediately. She had seen this woman before, at the gala. She had been clinging to Adam, her hands possessive, her smile full of unspoken intent.Ellie.Why was she here?.Fear swirled in Sofia’s chest, but she forced herself to stay calm. Her mind raced for answers, for any possible escape.Ellie crouched before her, tilting her head with a sickeningly sweet smile. "You look confused, darling," she purred, running a manicured nail along Sofi
Adam paced the length of his living room, his jaw clenched as he checked his phone for the hundredth time. His fingers hovered over Sofia’s name, the call log filled with unanswered attempts.“Come on, Sofia… pick up”.He had been waiting for hours. She should have been here by now.Something was wrong.The last time they spoke, she had sounded frustrated but determined. He knew she had left her family’s house, he had been on the phone with her when she got into her car.So where the hell was she?His heart pounded harder as another call went straight to voicemail."The number you have dialed is currently unavailable""Damn it!" Adam growled, throwing his phone onto the couch.His gut twisted painfully. This wasn’t like Sofia. She wouldn’t just disappear, not without telling him. His mind raced through possibilities. Did her grandfather stop her? Did they lock her up? Did something happen on the way?Then a darker thought crept in. What if someone took her?. The very idea sent a chill